Review: Blood and Sand by C. V. Wyk

Hello everyone!
Today I wanted to share my thoughts on Blood and Sand by C. V. Wyk. This novel follows a girl, Attia, who has been sold as a slave to a man named Timeus. Her people were destroyed by the Romans. She wants revenge against them, but can't act out. We also get the perspective of Xanthus who is a gladiator for Timeus. Attia and Xanthus develop feelings for each other throughout the story and fight to keep each other alive.

I really liked Attia as a character. She knew when it was right to defend herself, and when to stay in the shadows to protect the people she cared about. She was a true warrior who wanted nothing more than to get revenge on the Romans who murdered her people.

I thought there were parts of this story that didn't need to be there. They didn't seem to do anything to help move the story, and I found them quite boring. I also thought parts of the book were quite slow. You'd get to parts and think something exciting was going to happen, but it never did. The ending was quite anticlimactic though. I was expecting an epic battle, but nothing of the sort happened.

I overall really enjoyed this story. I loved watching Attia develop as a character. I also really cared for Xanthus and felt bad for all the sorrow he had to go through.

Overall, I gave this story 4/5 stars. If more had happened throughout the story, it definitely would have a 5 star read. Hopefully, there is a sequel so I can read more about Attia's journey.

If you've read Blood and Sand, let me know your thoughts down in the comments. 

Thanks for stopping by.

~Abby

Review: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

Hello everyone!
Today I wanted to share my review for Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys. This is a book that takes place in World War 2 and follows four different perspectives. Alfred is a part of Hitler's army, Florian is a runaway, Emilia was sent away by her family, and Joana is a nurse who misses her family. All the characters have something that is troubling them in their past and they have to deal with that throughout this novel. This story touched my heart and I really enjoyed it.

My favorite character would probably have to be Emilia. She was so innocent and I loved reading from her perspective. She got really attached to Florian at the beginning of the story, and her trust towards him carried on throughout the novel. 

The storyline was spectacular. I thought it would be confusing reading from four perspectives, but it actually added to the story. All the characters were connected in some way and that helped move the story. I found myself not wanting to put this book down and rapidly flipping pages.

Towards the ending of the book, there were definitely tears in my eyes. It was such a tragic event and not many people know about it. I think everyone should read this book at least once in their lives.

I rate this book 5/5 stars. It was amazing and I recommend to anyone and everyone, especially if you love historical fiction set during World War 2. This story really touched my heart and is one of my new favorite books.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a nice day!

~Abby

Beauty and the Beast Tag

Hello everyone!
Today I wanted to do the Beauty and the Beast book tag. I love the movie (both animated and live action) and thought this would be a fun tag to do. The creator of this tag is Kirsty from Kirsty and the Cat Read. I saw this tag and thought it would be fun to do.

"Tale as Old as Time" - A popular theme, trope, or setting you will never get bored of reading.

I'd have to say books about World War 2. I love learning about this time period and reading stories about this time period, either fiction or nonfiction. They just fascinate me. I will never get tired of reading books about this time era.

Belle - A book you bought for its beautiful cover that's just as beautiful inside too.

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard has a gorgeous cover. In fact, the whole series has beautiful covers. I love the world and the storyline. Red Queen is beautiful both inside and out.

Beast - A book you didn't expect much from but pleasantly surprised you.

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis really surprised me. I thought I was going to hate it because I had to read it for school, but I actually really enjoyed it. The concept is really intriguing. I'm glad I read it.

Gaston - A book everyone loves that you don't.

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff, I thought I'd give this book a try when it first came out because I'd heard so many people talk about it. I did not enjoy this story at all. The format really confused me and it was hard to follow the storyline. It just wasn't for me.

Lefou - A loyal sidekick you can't help but love more than their counter part.

Marlee from The Selection by Kiera Cass. She becomes best friends with the main character, America Singer. I sometimes wish Marlee was the main character. She's such a sweet character and would do anything for America. 

Mrs. Potts, Chip, Lumier & Cogsworth - A book that helped you through a difficult time or that taught you something valuable.

I'd have to say Night by Elie Wiesel. This book taught me so much. It's a true story where the author recounts his experience with concentration camps during World War 2. I think it's a story everyone should read at least once in their lifetime.

"Something There" - A book or series that you weren't into at first but picked up towards the end.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. For me this book was really slow paced in the beginning, but by the middle I couldn't stop flipping the pages. I ended up really enjoying the story and am so glad I read it.

"Be Our Guest" - A fictional character you'd love to have over for dinner.

Besides Belle, I'd love to have Imogen from the Ascendance Trilogy by Jennifer A. Nielsen. I feel like we'd have a lot in common, and she was a servant and would know how to cook really good food. 

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed.

~Abby

Review: Roseblood by A.G. Howard

Hello everyone!
I recently finished reading Roseblood by A.G. Howard which is a Phantom of the Opera retelling. It follows Rune Germain as she is attending a French boarding school called Roseblood. Her mother forces her to attend because she thinks she has a real potential to become an opera singer. Little does her mother know, Rune's voice controls her. Any time an operatic song plays, Rune can't stop herself from bursting into song. Once she gets to Roseblood, she sees a mysterious man wandering the grounds wearing a mask and Victorian era style clothing. This is peculiar to her since she is obsessed with The Phantom of the Opera and begins to wonder if the book is a true story. Everyone tells her there is no such person, and she begins to question herself especially when she begins to hear things through her vents and inside her walls. Who could be lurking in the shadows?

Not only do you get Rune's point of view, but you get Thorn's point of view. It is told in the third person and is done wonderfully. You get a look at his thoughts and feelings as the story unfolds. Thorn has grown up in the shadows. He has a dark childhood, and somehow feels a connection to Rune. 

I really enjoyed this book. I don't think there's anything bad that I could say about this book. I really liked all of the characters in this story. They each had their role to play in keeping the story alive. Thorn was so mysterious and the whole time I wanted to go into the book to give him a hug. He has gone through some terrible things in his life that I can't imagine. Rune keeps blaming herself for something in her past that she can't change. When they meet, they need each other. 

This book kept me wondering the whole time. From the beginning, you want to know what the Phantom wants with Rune. He has a weird fascination with her, and you don't really understand why until about halfway through. This book kept me flipping pages because I wanted to know what and happened every second. I didn't want to put this book down. 

The setting was wonderful. Roseblood is an old opera house that has been accommodated to be a school. I think it was the perfect setting for this story, and the author had a beautiful writing style. I loved the descriptions and feeling behind the words. It almost felt like I was there with Rune going through the problems she encounters with her. 

This cover is absolutely gorgeous. I love the font they chose for the title and the background. The roses and thorns they used really added to the meaning behind the story. I absolutely loved everything about this book. I kinda wish there was a sequel, but it did end with no loose ends just as a stand-alone should.

I have nothing bad to say about this book. It was amazing, and I already want to reread it. It was the first A.G. Howard book I read, and it makes me want to check out her Splintered trilogy to see if it's just as good. I gave this book 5/5 stars and highly recommend to Phantom of the Opera fans. 

Thanks for stopping by.

~Abby

Top Five Series I Need to Finish

Hello everyone!
Today I wanted to share the top five series I need to finish. Whether I've only read the first book, or have only made it halfway through.

1. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

This may be a surprise to a lot of people. I've only read the first four books, and am slowly making my way through the fifth book currently. I really need to finish this series ASAP. I know I'll love the last three books more than movies if they're anything like the first four.

2. Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

I read the first two books in this series forever ago and just never continued. I really need to because I love this world and the characters in it.

3. Shatter Me by Tahera Mafi

First of all, these covers are so pretty. I've only ever read the first book, and that was a few years ago. I meant to keep reading the second two books, but I never got around to it. With Restore Me coming out, it gives me the perfect excuse to reread the first book and continue on with the series.

4. Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

I've only read the first book, and I really enjoyed it. I don't know why I haven't continued with the rest of this series yet. I love the concept and the characters. I really need to finish this series soon.

5. The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo

Again, I've only read the first book in this trilogy, but I really enjoyed it. I've told myself I have to finish this trilogy before I can read the Six of Crows duology. I've heard mixed things about this trilogy, but I liked the first book so hopefully, I'll like the rest.

Let me know what some of the series are that you haven't finished in the comments or what series you think I should finish ASAP. Thanks for stopping by.

~Abby

Review: Red Queen Series

Hello everyone!
Today I wanted to share my review of the Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard. I recently reread all of the books in preparation for War Storm to come out this year.

First of all, these covers are gorgeous! That's what drew me to pick these books up in the first place. The story is just as great as the covers.

Mare Barrow was born red, which means she's a commoner. The silver-blooded are the upper class and royalty. Mare gets called to the palace to become a servant and discovers she has a power. She is the first red-blooded to have been found with a power, so the King and Queen hide her away presenting her as a silver blood. It is full of adventures and epic battles throughout the series.

I really enjoyed the writing style and the characters. There were parts that were slow paced. The first book is by far my favorite in the series so far. The second book was mainly a build up for the third book and not a lot happened until the end. There was so much going on in the third book, but the ending disappointed me. It was a huge cliffhanger that left me wanting to read the next book. There are so many twists and turns in this story that I never saw coming. I can't wait for the fourth book to come out to see how Victoria Aveyard concludes this series. 

My favorite character in the series is Maven. He is such a complex character and I love reading his parts in the books. I really hope Mare ends up with him, but I highly doubt that is going to happen. I also really like Farley. She is full of spunk and I love her personality. She is a go-getter and doesn't let people boss her around. 

Thanks for stopping by. Let me know what your thoughts are on the Red Queen series in the comments.

~Abby

Twenty Questions Book Tag

Hello everyone!

I thought today I'd do the Twenty Questions book tag that was created by buydebook on Goodreads.

1. How many books are too many books in a series?
I've really only read series that have had 3-7 books and I say that is a good number for a series to have. You don't need more than that.

2. How do you feel about cliffhangers?
I hate them, but at the same time if there wasn't a cliffhanger I wouldn't want to pick up the next book.

3. Hardcopy or paperback?
I don't really have a preference. 

4. Favorite book?
It's so hard to pick just one. My go to answer is the Michael Vey series by Richard Paul Evans. Those books are so amazing and I love them to pieces.

5. Least favorite book?
The Fifth Wave by Rick Yancey

6. Love triangles, yes or no?
Yes!

7. The most recent book you couldn't finish?
Talon by Julie Kagawa (I just couldn't get into it.)

8. A book you're currently reading?
I am currently reading King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard so that I can read War Storm when it comes out this year.

9. Last book you recommended to someone?
The Michael Vey series. I tell all of my friends to read this series because it is so good.

10. Oldest book you've read? (Publication date)
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

11. Newest book you've read? (Publication date)
Nightfall by Shannon Messenger which is the sixth book in the Keeper of the Lost Cities series.

12. Favorite author?
I don't think I really have one. There are so many great authors out there.

13. Buying books or borrowing books?
It depends on how well I think I'll like the book and whether or not I've read it already. 

14. A book you dislike that everyone seems to love?
Looking for Alaska by John Green

15. Bookmarks or dog-ears?
Definitely bookmarks.

16. A book you can always reread?
Any of my favorite books.

17. Can you read while hearing music?
Occasionally, as long as I'm not focusing on the music.

18. One POV or multiple POV's? (POV = Points of View)
I like both, but I generally prefer a single POV.

19. Do you read a book in one sitting or over multiple days?
It depends on the book length and if I'm really into the story.

20. Who do you tag?
Anyone who feels like answering these questions.

Hope you enjoyed. Thanks so much for stopping by!
~Abby

New Year Book Tag for 2018

Hello everyone!

I hope you're having a great day. I thought it would be a great time to do the New Year book tag since we just started the new year. 

How many books are you planning to read in 2018?

My goal is to read at least 50 books.

Name five books you didn't get to read this year but want to make a priority in 2018.

1. Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo

2. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater 

3. The Diviners by Libba Bray

4. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

5. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Three non-book related goals for 2018.

1. Stop procrastinating.

2. Finish the books I'm writing.

3. Stay organized.

Name a genre you want to read more of.

I want to read more contemporary books.

What's a book you've had forever that you still need to read?

The Hunt for the Seventh by Christine Morton Shaw

One word that you're hoping 2018 will be?

Productive

I hope you enjoyed this tag. Thanks for stopping by.

~Abby

Five Favorite Books

Hello everyone! 
I've recently decided to change the focus of my blog from cards to books. I have a strong love of reading and wanted to share that with you. I thought to start out I would share 5 of my favorite books/series. 

1. Michael Vey Series by Richard Paul Evans

This series is about a group of teens who have electrical powers. It is full of fun adventures and fantastic characters. The main character is named Michael Vey, and throughout the series, his mission is to stop Hatch and his evil plans. I fell in love with this series. The books aren't terribly long and are super quick to read. I highly recommend these books to anyone. They won't disappoint, I promise.

2. The Selection Series by Kiera Cass

I describe these books as The Bachelor in book form but geared towards teens. It's set in a dystopian society called Illea that is ruled by a monarchy. The main character is America who is sent to the palace along with 34 other girls for the prince, Maxon Schreave, to pick his future bride. I didn't expect to love these books as much I did. They are fluffy reads and don't take very long to complete. I think of the first three as more of a trilogy and the last two as companion novels. I recommend you read this series if you're looking for something light and fun to read. 

3. Keeper of the Lost Cities Series by Shannon Messenger

This series is a more recent discovery of mine. It was recommended to me by one of my close friends, and I wasn't expecting to like it because it was middle grade. I was thoroughly surprised at how much I enjoy this series. It is about Sophie Foster who was raised in the human world but finds out she is actually an elf. I love how this elvin society is run. I love reading about all the mischief Sophie and her group of friends gets into. I recommend that you read this series if you're looking for something full of adventure and jokes.

4. Wings Series by Aprilynne Pike

I've never read a fairy book quite like this series. I love how the author went about writing this series. This book follows Laurel who discovers she is a fairy. This series focuses on how she adjusts to this discovery and the decisions she has to make about staying with the humans or living with the fairies. If you love books about fairies, you will definitely love this series.

5. The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy

I picked this book up looking for a fun read, and it ended up being one of my favorite books. It's about a group called The Cinderella Society that focuses on helping girls feel good about themselves and become more confident. The main character, Jess, is welcomed into the society and has "sisters" who help her on her journey of finding herself. I really liked this story and made me wish there really was a Cinderella Society. I recommend reading this book if you want a cute story about finding yourself and not changing into what you think others want you to be.

Those are only a few of my favorite books, and I love them all equally. Let me know what your favorite books are in the comments. 

~Abby